Experience Mino Bimaadiziwin (A Good Life) at events held throughout June to honour National Indigenous History Month, culminating on June 21 to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day. Families can join sunrise ceremonies, festivals, concerts and further Indigenous initiatives to learn about and reflect on the diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples across Toronto, as well as the entirety of Turtle Island. Check out our Guide to National Indigenous History Month Events in Toronto and the GTA…
Special Events in Toronto
Sankofa Square & The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund: Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining Indigenous Music and Arts Festival
Date: May 30-31, 2025
The Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining Indigenous Music and Arts Festival is a free two-day event featuring live performances, workshops, an artisan market, and historical and cultural presentations with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and creators.
International Indigenous Music Summit (IIMS)
Date: June 2-6, 2025
In this four-day music and culture festival at Massey Hall, the global Indigenous music industry, culture leaders and artists unite for panels and performances, including Gala headliners Tanya Tagaq, Northern Cree, Sara Curruchich and Alex Kusturok.
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
Date: June 3-8, 2025 (Toronto) and June 9-15, 2025 (online)
The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, the world’s largest presenter of Indigenous screen content, returns for its milestone 25th annual Festival, with in-person events followed by online festival selections.
Ontario Science Centre & Harbourfront Centre: Indigenous Celebration
Date: June 7, 2025
At this free, family-friendly event, join the Indigenous community for interactive workshops, performances and hands-on activities that explore Indigenous ways of knowing and connect with members of the Indigenous community to celebrate their heritage.
City of Toronto: Indigenous Arts Festival and Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow
Date: June 20-21, 2025
The City of Toronto celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day with the return of the Indigenous Arts Festival at Garrison Commons outside the Fort York National Historic Site. This two-day festival and special event features the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow, along with vibrant and inclusive festivities, plus craft and food vendors. People of all ages are welcome to enjoy the dynamic performances, storytelling, dance, and more. Better yet, this festival is family-friendly with FREE admission!
National Indigenous Peoples Day Annual Sunrise Ceremony in Nathan Phillips Square
Date: June 21, 5:30 AM
Come together to give thanks for all of creation and to honour Mishoomis Giizis (Grandfather Sun) who provides us with daytime light and warmth. Then, stay for the Feast on the Square and a celebration by the four colours of the Medicine Wheel in the TORONTO Sign.
Special Events in the GTA
City of Mississauga: National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Date: June 21, 2025
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in the City of Mississauga at Celebration Square, where everyone is welcome to enjoy traditional Indigenous songs and dance, including a powerful headline performance by Polaris Music Prize & JUNO award-winning Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq.
Sainte Marie Among the Hurons: National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Date: June 19-21, 2025
This heritage museum in Midland hosts a celebration of the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and communities throughout Canada. It includes in-person and online education and the Legends of Lacrosse event on June 21.
Further Resources
Toronto Public Library: Indigenous Initiatives
Discover Indigenous perspectives and worldviews at your local Toronto Public Library branch with a wide range of resources and events.
Government National Indigenous Peoples Month Resources:
City of Toronto — www.toronto.ca
Destination Ontario – www.destinationontario.com
Government of Canada — www.canada.ca
APTN Special Programming
Join the national Indigenous TV network APTN all month for powerful stories that uplift community and showcase Indigenous voices, including marathons, movies, and special broadcasts.
Get more ideas for family fun with Special Events in Toronto and the GTA here!
